Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Highlighting seniors’ needs and aspirations, Merril Gardens at Santa Maria is a respected senior living community situated on the serene grounds of Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community features over 200 snug and sophisticated accommodations in various studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring seniors experience unmatched comfort and convenience. With a dedicated and highly qualified team delivering top-tier care and assistance, seniors ease their minds and experience a glorious retirement.
Mingle with people from different backgrounds and learn new things through enjoyable events and exciting activities. Treat yourself to a lifetime vacation with the luxurious spaces of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria. Available at every time of the day, seniors enjoy delicious and healthy meals for dietary satisfaction. Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is ideal for seniors aiming to optimize their independence while keeping their peace of mind.
Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
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About this community
Occupancy
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is legally operated by Mg At Santa Maria, Lp ; Shi-iv Merrill Gp, Llc ; M, and administrated by Michael Easbey.
Staffing
Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.
Inspection History
In California, the Department of Social Services (for assisted living facilities) and the Department of Public Health (for nursing homes) conduct inspections to ensure resident safety and regulatory compliance.
Inspection Scorecard
This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the California state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Since 2021 vs. California state average• Official inspections (at CA avg) 9 Better Metrics better than California average:
• Total citations (80% below)
• Serious citations (Type A) (67% below)
• Moderate citations (Type B) (75% below)
• Citations per year (80% below)
• Citations per inspection (97% below)
• Total visits (6% below)
• Complaint visits (54% below)
• Other visits (29% below)
• Complaint investigations (50% below)
Citations
| This Facility | CA Average | vs. CA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total citations
| 2 | 10 | This facility has 80% fewer total citations than a typical California assisted living residence (2 vs. CA avg 10).↓ 80% better |
|
Serious citations (Type A)
| 1 | 3 | This facility has 67% fewer serious citations (type a) than a typical California assisted living residence (1 vs. CA avg 3).↓ 67% better |
|
Moderate citations (Type B)
| 1 | 4 | This facility has 75% fewer moderate citations (type b) than a typical California assisted living residence (1 vs. CA avg 4).↓ 75% better |
|
Citations per year
| 0.4 | 2 | This facility has 80% fewer citations per year than a typical California assisted living residence (0.4 vs. CA avg 2).↓ 80% better |
|
Citations per inspection
| 0.1 | 3.3 | This facility has 97% fewer citations per inspection than a typical California assisted living residence (0.1 vs. CA avg 3.3).↓ 97% better |
Inspections & Visits
| This Facility | CA Average | vs. CA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total visits
| 15 | 16 | This facility has 6% fewer total visits than a typical California assisted living residence (15 vs. CA avg 16).↓ 6% better |
|
Complaint visits
| 6 | 13 | This facility has 54% fewer complaint visits than a typical California assisted living residence (6 vs. CA avg 13).↓ 54% better |
|
Other visits
| 5 | 7 | This facility has 29% fewer other visits than a typical California assisted living residence (5 vs. CA avg 7).↓ 29% better |
|
Official inspections
| 4 | 4 | This facility has official inspections in line with the California average (4 vs. CA avg 4).— At avg |
|
Complaint investigations
| 5 | 10 | This facility has 50% fewer complaint investigations than a typical California assisted living residence (5 vs. CA avg 10).↓ 50% better |
Inspection Reports Summary
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
- The most recent inspection on September 17, 2025, found no deficiencies and confirmed compliance with fire clearance, licensing, and record-keeping requirements.
- A November 13, 2023 complaint investigation substantiated a safety failure when a resident eloped and was injured, resulting in a $500 civil penalty.
- Multiple complaint investigations in 2023 and 2024 found isolated issues including hazardous items in a dementia resident’s room and facility disrepair, but these were addressed without ongoing deficiencies.
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed
Room Sizes: 410 / 426 / 436 / 449-557 / 552-654 / 577 / 619 / 665 / 932 / 779 / 982 / 1071 / 1289 sq. ft
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: 3-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
2.5 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Santa Maria's city center to Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 0.91 miles to nearest hospital (Advanced Women's Health of the Central Coast)
Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
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Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in California
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is located in Santa Maria, California.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in California.
Compare Assisted Living around Santa Maria
The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.
| Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria |
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Santa Maria | 330 | Yes | 20 | 4 | 6
Facility
6
CA AVG
11.6
Rank
#654 / 1397 | 1
Facility
1
CA AVG
3.2
Rank
#413 / 1164 | 4
Facility
4
CA AVG
13
Rank
#1094 / 1485 |
59.7%
Facility
59.7%
CA AVG
75.9%
Rank
#1047 / 1249 | A+ | Mg At Santa Maria, LP ; Shi-IV Merrill Gp, LLC ; M | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
| Santa Maria Terrace |
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. | Santa Maria | 140 | Yes | 24 | 5 | 32
Facility
32
CA AVG
11.6
Rank
#1278 / 1397 | 13
Facility
13
CA AVG
3.2
Rank
#1096 / 1164 | 6
Facility
6
CA AVG
13
Rank
#885 / 1485 |
68.6%
Facility
68.6%
CA AVG
75.9%
Rank
#829 / 1249 | - | Oceano Senior Living, Inc. | Studio / 1 Bed |
| The Oaks at Nipomo |
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Nipomo | 122 | Yes | 43 | 5 | 34
Facility
34
CA AVG
11.6
Rank
#1289 / 1397 | 9
Facility
9
CA AVG
3.2
Rank
#1033 / 1164 | 7
Facility
7
CA AVG
13
Rank
#804 / 1485 |
78.7%
Facility
78.7%
CA AVG
75.9%
Rank
#603 / 1249 | - | Nipomo Oaks,Gp Of Nipomo Oaks Ops LP;Westmont Lvng | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
| Magnolia and Primrose |
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. | Santa Maria | 14 | No | 7 | 5 | 4
Facility
4
CA AVG
11.6
Rank
#529 / 1397 | 2
Facility
2
CA AVG
3.2
Rank
#600 / 1164 | 15
Facility
15
CA AVG
13
Rank
#492 / 1485 |
64.3%
Facility
64.3%
CA AVG
75.9%
Rank
#961 / 1249 | - | Senior Living Resources | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
Frequently Asked Questions about Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
Who is the owner of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria?
The legal owner and operator of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is Mg At Santa Maria, Lp ; Shi-Iv Merrill Gp, Llc ; M.
Is Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria in a walkable area?
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria has a walk score of 20. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
What is the occupancy rate at Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria?
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria's occupancy is 60%.
Who is the administrator of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria?
Michael Easbey is the administrator of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria.
How many beds does Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria have?
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria has 330 beds.
Has Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria had any recent deficiencies or citations?
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria has had 2 recently reported deficiencies.
Are there photos of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria?
Yes — there are 4 photos of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria in the photo gallery on this page.
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